Question 3: is there any risk since surgery and anesthesia lasting for such
a long time?

The risk is comparatively low as the surgical site is not penetrated deeply
into thoracic and abdominal cavity. The general risks may be bleeding,
infection, trauma, etc. The time for flap breast reconstruction is a little
long, so preanesthetics visit to assess individual risk of anesthesia is
required to avoid risk. During surgery, the anesthesia care team is accompanying
you all the time as to monitor patient’s vital signs, lowering the risk.

Question 4: is there any complication after surgery?

Yes, the complications of surgery include: partial fat necrosis for 3-13%
(small range), about 1-2% patients have partial flap necrosis and 2-3% patients
will have wound infection. Intensive nursing and appropriate dressing can lower
down the risk.

Question 5: is it normal that pain or numb around the operated breast or
under armpit after modified radical mastectomy?

While remove the breast lesion, the peripheral nerves of skin is removed
during surgery, therefore some symptoms (throbbing ache, needlestick sense,
numbness or pain) may occur around the wound, armpit and hand on the surgical
side. They are normal phenomenon after surgery. Those feeling will last for
about six month or one year and become serious during cold weather. You can hit
those areas lightly with hand to stimulate.

Question 6: can I touch the reconstructed site?

You can touch it after flap reconstruction, but you cannot oppress it
within the beginning three weeks, or it will lead to flap blood disorders.

Modified radical mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction generally
will not affect other cancer treatment. But your oncologist will wait for your
wound recovery and begin further treatment afterward, thus to avoid incomplete
wound healing or infection. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, your surgeon
will wait for at least one month and then apply radical mastectomy with
immediate breast reconstruction. In addition, based on your condition, doctor
may suggest you to undergo immunotherapy to improve your immunity after
surgery.

Question 8: can breast reconstruction increase the risk of recurrence? Can
it interfere with the diagnosis of cancer?

Currently there is no evidence show that breast reconstruction can increase
the risk of recurrence or interfere with the diagnosis of cancer. Most of the
local recurrences occur on the original breast beneath the epidermis of skin, so
the recurrence can be detected by hand touch. Moreover, patients still need to
have follow-up in breast surgical department and oncology outpatient
department.

Question 9: can I have shampoo and bath after surgery, when I can resume
normal life and wear bra?

When you are transferred to general ward after surgery, you can take a
sponge bath by family member’s assist. You can begin to have bath after drainage
tube remove and stitches take out. Three weeks after surgery, you can have
shampoo and restore normal daily living. 6-8 days after surgery, you can decide
whether wear bra or not according to your physician’s advice. Generally, you
should first wear no wire bra to avoid flap bleeding.

Question 10: when I can return to work or to travel?

It depends on your personal recovery condition. Generally about 4 weeks
after surgery, you can return to work, go to travel and retake daily leisure
activities. But you’d better to have more rest.

Question 11: after surgery can we have sexual contact of breast? When I can
regain normal sexual life?

4 weeks after surgery, you can have sexual life. You can have a
conversation with your partner to understand your worry and be patient both
sides.

Question 12: how to take care of the scare after surgery?

The key factors of deciding if the scar has a good look include: suture
technique of physician, stitching quality, patient’s physique, self scar care,
etc. The scar may need six months to one year to be stable and mature. The
suggestions for care scar as follows:

1. Massage scar, daily massage for the scar for about 15~20 minutes every
morning and evening, avoid over rub and damage incision tissue.

2. The use of scar beauty tape. If you have allergy to tape, you can use
the “baby use” breathable paper tape.

3. Use silicone scar sheet. It has better effect than beauty tape as it can
smooth, soften and enlighten scars.

Question 13: can I regulate the breast shape after breast reconstruction if
the shape is not good or asymmetric with another side?

3~6 months after the reconstructed breast recover, you can have other
reconstruction to adapt the breast, involving in breast augmentation , breast
lift, breast reduction and other plastic surgery.

Disclaimer: Therapeutic effect depends on individual patient's condition. The content of this website is for informational purpose only,this can not be the basis of medical diagnosis and treament and even can not replace the diagnosis and treatment from doctors.Please refer to Terms and Condition for more information.

Disclaimer: Operation is effective to early solid tumors, but it’s not suitable for most middle or advanced tumors. Patient with middle or advanced tumor is relatively weak, but the combination of minimally invasive therapy and chemotherapy or radiotherapy can effectively reduce the harm and side effects brought by the treatment and help patient get better efficacy.